Authorities are searching for a man who police say abducted his estranged wife at gunpoint earlier this week.

Markeith Jefferson, 22, is charged with kidnapping and burglary, with bond set at $60,000 on each charge, Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Henry Irby announced today.

Jefferson remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Officers were called to the 1300 block of 45th Street North about 8:30 a.m. Monday on a report of domestic violence. When they arrived, they found that Jefferson had forced his way into the home of his 22-year-old estranged wife, assaulted her and forced her into his car at gunpoint.

The victim, whose identity hasn't been released, was let go moments later in the 4200 block of Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was treated and released.

Jefferson's red Volkswagon Jetta also was found a short time after the abduction, abandoned in the 2000 block of 68th Street Alley. He has been on the run since.

Anyone with information on Jefferson's whereabouts is asked to call police at 254-1764 or Crimestoppers at 254-7777.